HC Deb 11 June 1907 vol 175 cc1248-9
MR. SMEATON (Stirlingshire)

I beg to ask the Prime Minister if he can hold out any hope of passing the Scottish Education Bill during the present session.

MR. RAMSAY MACDONALD (Leicester)

I beg also to ask the Prime Minister whether, in view of the pledge given by the Secretary for Scotland to the Committee on Law that the Government would proceed with the Education (Scotland) Bill this session, he can inform the House when the Bill is to have a Second Reading; and whether it will follow the Small Landholders (Scotland) Bill in the Scottish Committee.

SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

I am afraid I cannot say anything definite on the subject of this Bill; we are anxious to go on with it, if possible.

MR. PIRIE (Aberdeen, N.)

Has the right hon. Gentleman realised the very serious position in which Scottish legislation has been placed by the action of the Scottish Grand Committee?

SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

I cannot control the action of the Scottish Grand Committee, but I am aware that their present action and the general position are not conducive to the rapid and successful passing of Scottish measures.

MR. PIRIE

Are we to understand that the prospects of Scottish legislation this session are absolutely nil?

SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

No, I do not think so.